3 Ways to Start the Conversation About Quitting with Someone

Quitting smoking can be hard for some people to talk about. So what’s the best way to start a conversation about it and let the person you care about know you want to help them quit?

Here are some suggestions:

Look for an openingBe ready to take advantage of an opening like, “I’m thinking about quitting smoking” or “My doctor told me that I should quit smoking.” Let her know you think it’s great she’s considering quitting and that you’re ready to help. If you’re an ex-smoker, you can draw from your own experience quitting. Let her know how much better you feel now that you’re smokefree.

Create an openingIf she doesn’t give you an opening, create one by asking her if she’s thought about quitting. It can help to bring up quitting in the context of something else like, “I heard on the news that taxes on cigarettes might go up soon. Sounds expensive. What do you think?” or “I saw a commercial last night that showed an ex-smoker who had to have his legs amputated. I didn’t know that could happen. Did you?”

Ask questions Asking questions that she can’t answer in just one word (like yes or no) is a great way to begin understanding what she’s going through. Try asking her “What made you want to start smoking?” or “What could I do to help make quitting easier for you?” She may just create an opening to discuss quitting.

Quitting smoking is the best thing a woman can do for her health. But the decision to quit is one she has to make for herself. You can’t force her if she’s not ready. But you can let her know that you’ll be there to help and support her whenever she’s ready.